N ow the diesel is a sales hit. But how much longer? Since the fraud affair involving the volkswagen Group’s manipulated emissions figures, the diesel has fallen into disrepute. In reality, many diesel engines emit significantly more nitrogen oxides (nox) than permitted by law. These pollute the respiratory tract and are suspected of being carcinogenic. Modern exhaust gas purification systems such as an accumulator catalytic converter in smaller engines or an expensive SCR catalytic converter with urea injection in large engines reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, but they cost money. And make the already expensive diesel even more expensive compared to the gasoline engine.
And this is exactly where the gasoline engine has a chance. The general rule is: if you drive less, you’re better off with a gasoline engine. Most diesel models only pay off after an annual mileage of 15 kilometers or more.000 kilometers or more. Small cars that are normally driven in the city and therefore cover fewer kilometers are hardly ever offered with a diesel engine. But gasoline engines are also becoming increasingly attractive in larger vehicle classes. Modern gasoline engines have made considerable progress in recent years, especially in terms of fuel consumption.
We looked at three gasoline-diesel pairings in different classes, to check which engine makes more sense. For the cost comparison, we consulted oAMTC auto-info. Here you can find the exact total costs of more than 25.000 new and used car prices – depending on length of ownership and mileage.
© car touring
Commentary by bernhard wiesinger, head of oAMTC’s interest group
Consumers are unsettled. The diesel car is under fire from the media and authorities. Is it still possible to buy a diesel at all, or would that be a sure mistake??
the facts: in terms of fuel consumption (and thus CO2 emissions), the diesel has a decisive advantage over gasoline engines. As far as nitrogen oxide emissions are concerned, most models are currently at a disadvantage. But modern euro 6 vehicles comply with the nox limits – even on the road. The prerequisite is, of course, that the exhaust gas aftertreatment system works. It is up to the authorities to take a closer look here.
It follows: For the oAMTC, there is currently no reason to advise against buying a modern euro 6 diesel car. Conversely, there is no reason to turn the diesel tax screw. And there is certainly no reason to establish "diesel bashing" as a new trend sport. As old-fashioned as it may sound in these times, the facts are what count for the oAMTC!
Mazda 6: diesel only makes sense for frequent drivers
© heinz henninger
Although the mazda 6 has already been on the market for more than four years, it still looks modern to me. The midsize station wagon is also practical, comfortable and of high quality. The diesel in the 6 produces 150 hp and 380 newton meters on the crankshaft. The result: already under 2.000 revolutions, the diesel engine makes a lot of steam and delivers powerful driving performance. The diesel receives less praise for its fuel consumption: 6.9 liters/100 km on the auto touring standard lap are not really tops.
For a surprise the 145 hp gasoline engine. It consumes only half a liter more. Gasoline fans have to accept compromises in performance. The 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine seems strained and requires frequent gear changes. However, when it comes to money and driving less, the gasoline engine has a good chance. As with all gasoline/diesel combinations, the gasoline engine has a clear advantage, especially for frequent short trips. The diesel needs longer to come up to temperature.
My conclusion
Christian stich:
Mazda charges almost 2.000 euros more. If you drive a lot and appreciate performance, you will invest your money well. Everyone else should go for the gasoline engine. Especially since it hardly consumes any more fuel.
Mitsubishi ASX: the diesel is the first choice
© heinz henninger
In the course of the facelift mitsubishi gave the ASX the front end of its bigger brother, the outlander. That makes the compact SUV more mature. But it’s not just the looks that have been improved: the navigation and audio systems (larger screen) have also been modernized.
The differences between the diesel and gasoline versions in the ASX (both with front-wheel drive) are clearly better than the diesel. The gasoline engine has 117 hp and is not exactly a bundle of temperament. This is mainly due to the transmission, whose five gears are very long and make the sprint from 60 to 100 km/h in fourth gear an eternity.
That’s what the 114 hp diesel does noticeably better. It is already a real force to be reckoned with at low revs and clearly outperforms the gasoline engine, especially in terms of traction. The gasoline engine also looks old in terms of fuel consumption. It consumes a full two liters more on the auto touring standard lap, while the diesel’s consumption of 5.9 liters/100 km is a solid value. The gasoline engine only has the edge in price. But the bottom line is that this is too little.
My conclusion
Christian stich:
The diesel is the better choice. It is 2.000 euros more expensive than the gasoline engine, but significantly more powerful performance and noticeably lower fuel consumption pay off in the end.
Renault megane: the gasoline engine does the trick!
© heinz henninger
The renault megane stands out. At least visually, the station wagon stands out pleasantly from the mostly plainly designed mass of compacts.
When faced with a choice, having to choose between a diesel or a gasoline engine is immediately noticeable: the gasoline engine makes an exclamation mark. The four-cylinder engine with just 1.2 liters and 130 hp remains pleasantly discreet in the background, even at higher engine speeds. Also astonishing: the powerful driving performance. Even when pulling from 60 to 100 km/h in fourth gear, the equally powerful diesel is only marginally ahead. And even at the gas pump, the gasoline-powered megane doesn’t give you a blue streak; a five before the decimal point is not uncommon with moderate driving. And in the acquisition you also save a whopping 2.600 euros.
So what’s in favor of the diesel engine?? Of course, the noticeably better torque at low speeds and the again slightly lower consumption. But it is also louder. So the diesel is only worthwhile for those who drive a lot. At least 17.be 500 kilometers per year.
Conclusion
Gunter rauecker:
Anyone who drives less than 17.driving 500 kilometers a year and buying a diesel megane is wrong. The gasoline engine is smooth, powerful and has a low fuel consumption.